Whereas, Peter Hatch was a native of Vergennes, graduated from Vergennes Union High School and resided in rural Vermont throughout his life, and

Whereas, he devoted his life to his family, farm and community, and

Whereas, Peter sacrificed an opportunity to attend college in order to assist his ailing father to manage the family farm, and

Whereas, he purchased his own farm in Ferrisburgh where he epitomized the model of the Vermont farmer, always working hard and living life in an unpretentious manner, and

Whereas, Peter was interested in innovative agricultural advances, and permitted his cows to be used as a test herd for mastitis research, and

Whereas, in his farming operations, he was very protective of the natural resources that he worked each day, and in 1991, was named Vermont Conservation Farmer of the Year, and

Whereas, civically minded, Peter served for two terms on the Ferrisburgh Selectboard, and

Whereas, a deeply religious man, he was a member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church of Vergennes' Pastoral Council, and

Whereas, Peter had many friends in Ferrisburgh, and his farm was known as a frequent gathering place for neighborly advice and conversation, and

Whereas, he was devoted for three decades to his wife Daryl with whom he lovingly raised a son, Jason and a daughter, Laura, and

Whereas, Peter's family and many friends were greatly saddened when this man who loved Vermont, and had both an indomitable spirit and a generous nature, tragically passed away at the young age of 49, now therefore be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives and Senate:

That the General Assembly extends its sincere sympathy to the family of the late Peter Hatch, and be it further

Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to his widow, Daryl Hatch and to his mother, Anna Mae Hatch.